Vandals have attacked the National Dinosaur Museum in Nicholls for the second time in nine months, causing about $2500 damage in a late night incident on Friday.
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Police are investigating the latest attack on the privately owned museum, in which three fibreglass dinosaur statues were damaged after vandals jumped a newly installed security fence.
Manager Richard Mancuso said staff discovered the damage early on Saturday morning and immediately alerted police.
An 8m tall parasaurolophus dinosaur statue suffered damage after being pushed against nearby rocks and two 3m velociraptor statues had parts removed.
Increased security measures have been added to outdoor exhibits at the museum following the theft of a three-metre-long dinosaur statue in March.
That item was recovered by ACT police after being stolen from the museum in what was described as a nightime birthday prank.
The statue’s tail had been removed but it was otherwise undamaged.
Mr Mancuso said the imported items damaged in the latest incident would be replaced or repaired and the exhibition would be fully restored in coming days.
He said a small amount of security camera vision would be provided to investigators.
‘‘We are very disappointed this has happened again,’’ he said.
‘‘Visitors can’t understand how some people in the community can do these sort of acts. It’s just a bit of frustration and mainly disappointment.’’
Mr Mancuso said replacements parts were available for the two statues significantly damaged in the latest attack.
‘‘The one that will have to be repaired will be done very soon so it won’t have any long-term negative affect on the museum.
‘‘All of the favourites for everybody who visits will all be there and be available to be seen.’’
He said the the community valued the museum's extensive collection, founded in 1993.
Popular with families and school groups, the museum features more than 20 complete skeletons, and about 300 displays.
‘‘I don’t think there is a problem with respecting the museum or the museum’s property in general, but I think a small proportion of the population is opportunistic," Mr Mancuso said.
‘‘It’s always Friday and Saturday nights so I think it’s probably something that seems like a good idea at the time to them, but in retrospect I hope it is something they would regret.’’
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.act.crimestoppers.com.au
